Cafe Veloce Hakata Station Chikushi Exit Store

The fast food version of cafes

This chain cafe is the fast food version of cafes, with locations all over Hakata, but more affordable than Starbucks. Before I had stopped by during lunch hour and this huge location was way too crowded, but I was able to go a little earlier and it wasn't so bad that day. There's a massive smoking area in the back, well ventilated (but still I wouldn't sit too close to the entrance), and plenty of bar and table seating. From 200 yen blend coffee to pastries and sandwiches, it's perfect for a coffee and dessert or a light meal. I needed lunch and thought I'd try the hot blend coffee and a hot sandwich. They have a few hot sandwiches, but they are more prepared ahead of time and heated before serving. I got a ham and camembert cheese, on lightly toasted mini-baguette. It wasn't exactly like France, but going for that feeling. I was hoping for a little more hot and melty, but it wasn't bad. Coffee was good. This works perfectly for limited time lunch breaks or spending a little longer for working on a project in the cafe. The staff runs everyone through smoothly which gives the fast food or food court feeling. There are a few food items I didn't get that look decent, and I was entertained by the peanut butter sandwiches and jelly sandwiches, but not both together. I guess that's strictly American. High score for convenience, but quality and price are fairly standard. Not much of an atmosphere if that's what you go for in a cafe.